Main Purpose of the position
To define, develop and execute the strategic marketing plan in order to drive growth and increase customer base. Hotel and as a key member of the hotel Sales & Marketing Team, this position is responsible for the administration support, enhancing and maintaining existing client relationships.
Key Responsibilities
Ø Consistently offers professional, engaging and friendly service.
Ø Supports the Marketing Director on sales reporting, account management, business trip preparation, and other duties as required
Ø Respond to all client enquires within the hour, directing leads to the appropriate manager/individual for follow through
Ø Define, develop and execute the annual regional strategic marketing plan through gathering and analyzing market research data.
Ø Determine an efficient marketing mix for including various marketing campaigns and initiatives, events, sales tools, public relations and partner marketing.
Ø Develop an understanding of current and future market trends that may impact on sales.
Ø Contribute to product development and marketing strategy through the collection and analysis of market research data to identify target markets for future potential growth.
Ø Define customer segmentation and target groups.
Ø Assess customer needs and requirements for defined segments and target accordingly.
Ø Understand buying pathway of different customers.
Ø Define product promotion and positioning for defined segments.
Ø Define appropriate conferences, workshops, publications, collateral and advertising to market and drive awareness and growth.
Ø Be the advocate for the customer requirements.
Ø Collect market and competitive intelligence to maximize sales opportunities.
Ø Prepare annual sales budgets in conjunction with Assistant Managers and Marketing director.
Ø Spend a significant portion of time in the territory developing and maintaining relationships with customers and determining their needs.
Ø Attend conferences and trade exhibitions to gain insight in to market dynamics, research and education trends and competitive activity.
Ø Prepare agreements and communication of rates/rate loading information to the appropriate hotel departments; develop proposal letters, contracts and mailers
Ø Work closely with the Marketing Director to coordinate bookings, ensuring a comprehensive knowledge of clients’ needs to exceed guest expectations
Ø In the absence of the Marketing Director quote and negotiate prices within established parameters and negotiate/execute proposals
Ø Post event follow up and billing in a professional, accurate and timely manner
Ø Maintain a directory of all sales & marketing promotional materials (collateral, brochures, client gifts) and have a complete knowledge of the hotel’s services and facilities
Ø Provide polished hotel site tours, assist planning and execute client events, appreciation evenings, ensuring professional and detailed service Coordinate with other Departments to ensure proper communication and implementation of group resumes, amenities, offers, promotions, and pertinent information
Ø Organize and track branded hotel collateral, working with print companies to replenish as directed by Marketing Director
Ø Support marketing with website updates, social media posts, social listening and responses as directed
Ø Keen eye for detail, strong writing skills and creativity an asset.
Ø Be a flexible, team player, and recommend ways to improve or enhance departmental procedures
Ø Consistently demonstrate to guests and team members a commitment to service excellence through the effective implementation and delivery of the
Ø Hotel Core Values and Service Standards
Ø Other duties as assigned
Ø Previous hotel sales experience preferred. Alternatively would consider Hotel Reservations,
Ø Front Desk or Guest Services experience Proactive with an eye for detail and the ability to manage multiple functions and projects while meeting deadlines
Ø Strong knowledge of Maestro PMS, Sales & Catering (S&C), Windows and MS
Ø Office (Word/Excel/Outlook), desktop publishing (Adobe Photoshop and associated software)
Ø Professional presentation with excellent communication skills (both verbal and written)
Ø Two years and above in BA in Marketing management, hotel management or related field with experience in opening, managing or re-positioning a hotel with clear track record. Experience in financial accounting, personnel supervision and problem resolutions is a added advantage. Excellent computer system skill.
Ø A positive, enthusiastic and flexible team player who is able to manage various tasks as required and who embraces a culture of change and innovation
Ø Excellent time management